Burns hurt like hell, but in a kitchen they were inevitable.
‘My, how the mighty have fallen.’ I turned away from my blistered fingers to see Gabe approaching my service station. He dropped his tray on the counter, shaking his head. ‘In theformaldining room with the other children. Wait, is the formal dining room like the Sunset Estates kids’ table?’
Natalie had spent the last few weeks pretending she and Gabe weren’t related, but I looked around to make sure she was otherwise occupied anyway. I could take the not-so-subtle hint of our being assigned opposite sides of the dining room. And yes, maybe my being in the FDR on Thanksgiving was another way for her to keep us separate.
‘It’s because I had to run sick trays and they knew it didn’t matter where they put me when it’sbuffetday.’
‘Oh man, right? A revelation! Why can’t it always be buffet day?’
‘Because these old bastards pay a lot to be waited on hand and foot, not to get up with their walkers and mosey to the converted salad bar. Also, the café is usually buffet style, so if you want it that way, go join those degens. But you have to get into heavy metal.’
It was a commonly known fact that the Sunset Estates Café crew were the staff members who were best kept to limited interaction with the residents.
‘Is this how every holiday is?’
‘No, Christmas is sit-down service again. Same with New Year’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Fourth of July is outside – unless it’s raining, then, yes, the barbecue is inside, like this.’
I peeked around the corner at my section. Only two tables, and all of them had enough water and drinks.
‘So what’s your Thanksgiving family tradition?’ Gabe asked.
‘My mom is making the turkey now, we’ll eat when I get home, and afterward we shop online Black Friday deals and watch the Food NetworkUltimate Thanksgiving Challenge. You?’ This year I also had to find time to work on my college application essay, but every time I sat down to work on it my mind seemed to go blank.
‘My aunt and uncle host – on my dad’s side.’ Not Natalie, then. ‘So I’m changing here and driving right over. Usually, they have this massive spread, and dinner isn’t over until almost six, when I just want to be teleported home so I can pass out into a food coma until I’m ready to raid the fridge for leftovers around ten.’
I tried not to smile. I always saved the turkey leg to eat cold from the fridge after my mom went to bed. Though that wasn’t so much a family tradition. At least not anymore.
‘I expected you to make everything,’ Gabe said. ‘Like some teen Iron Chef.’
‘Not when I’m here making double time. No, I do the bread and pies, and I made all of them last night.’
‘How many pies do you guys eat?’
‘It’s just an apple and a pumpkin, and we have leftovers for days. I’ll bring you some. The apple pie is great, but my pumpkin …’ I rolled my eyes into the back of my head and let my tongue hang out.
‘Charming! Is it just you and your mom and dad, or do you have extended family over?’
My smile dropped. ‘No, just my mom and me.’
‘Oh. Sorry.’ Gabe picked at the peeling layer of rubber on the corner of his serving tray. ‘Are your parents divorced?’
‘My dad died. And grandparents on his side are dead, too. I have an aunt in Georgia, but she doesn’t travel north often. My mom is from California, and her parents are out there, but none of them really get along, so it’s just us.’
The caring, protective Gabe – the one from summer camp – was back. His voice was low and full of genuine concern. ‘How did he die?’
‘Not to be rude, but can we not discuss my dead family members on Thanksgiving? Maybe save that for Memorial Day.’ I tried to fake a smile, but Gabe seemed able to tell I wasn’t joking. I took the throbbing in my burnt fingers as an excuse to look away from him.
‘Sorry, Thomas.’
‘It’s fine. What about Vic? What does he do for Thanksgiving?’ I asked. I didn’t actually want to know, but I couldn’t help it. I had a morbid curiosity about how Vic fit into Gabe’s life. We had been watchingParks and Recover the phone a few times a week, and Vic never seemed to be over. I didn’t get it.
‘He has his family thing, too. They’re kind of like mine in that they don’t approve of his lifestyle “choices”.’
‘Choices.Got it.’
‘Yes, because it’s a choice. Clearly.’
‘Clearly!’
